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Related Concept Videos

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators01:18

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA, plays a pivotal role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA pathway potentiators, also known as GABAergic drugs, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to enhance the functioning of the GABAergic system. These medications primarily treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers01:08

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers01:17

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...

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Updated: May 15, 2026

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
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Levetiracetam.

M Haria1, J A Balfour

  • 1Adis International Limited, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 10, New Zealand, demail@adis.co.nz.

CNS Drugs
|January 23, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Levetiracetam, an epilepsy drug, shows promise in rodent models and initial human trials for seizure control. Further research is needed to confirm its benefits and understand side effects like drowsiness.

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Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • Clinical Neurology

Background:

  • Levetiracetam is an ethyl analogue of piracetam.
  • Rodent studies suggest potential anticonvulsant properties against various seizure types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in patients with treatment-refractory epilepsy.
  • To assess the pharmacokinetic profile and drug interaction potential of levetiracetam.

Main Methods:

  • Initial clinical findings from 29 patients with refractory epilepsy.
  • Analysis of adverse events, including somnolence and asthenia, at doses of 1000-4000 mg/day.

Main Results:

  • Levetiracetam demonstrated potential benefits in patients with partial seizures.
  • Linear pharmacokinetics and a low potential for drug interactions were observed.
  • Somnolence and asthenia were the most frequent dose-related adverse events.

Conclusions:

  • Levetiracetam may be a beneficial option for partial seizures in epilepsy patients.
  • Further clinical trials are required to confirm these preliminary findings.
  • Adverse events appear dose-dependent, necessitating careful titration.